MTB Maintainence

Got my skins in the mail couple of days ago. The compression shorts by skins are really good.


The weather today here has been pretty bad, its too misty and cold for me to cycle back from work today. So a friend from work decided to give me a lift back home. I am happy I decided no to cycle home as I firstly didn't have enough layers and secondly the road was hardly visible.

I am yet to buy the tools and de-greaser and lube to carry out a maintenance. Although my bike really needs a good clean.

Recently I found this video on youtube that gave me an idea of how I could clean my bike.

*Note : NEVER EVER USE A HIGH PRESSURE SPRAY ON YOUR BIKE! (it will spoil the bearings)

Things you will need :

1. Rags (3) / Paper - Towels
2. Brushes 
3. De-Greaser 
4. Chain Lube 
5. Multipurpose - Spray cleaner 

Start by spraying the multi purpose cleaner on one of the rags and start wiping down your bike. (This is the quickest and easiest way, although dried mud is sometimes hard to clean out).
Use the Brushes to clean hard to reach areas.

Next step is to clean the chain. Set the rear tyre above ground. So that when you move the pedal the rear wheel moves. Spray the de-greaser onto a clean rag. Turn the pedals while holding the chain with the de-greaser cloth. After a few oscillations, use another clean cloth to lube up the chain. Using the same method as de-greasing.

I have yet to try this method out, but I will this week as my bike really needs a good clean.


Well thats all for now.

Thank you for reading.

Front Derailleur Problem

As predicted by many forum members, my front derailleur is starting to give me problem.

The shifting on the first day was smooth but today, sometimes it couldn't shift to 1 it could only do 2 and sometimes 3. What should I do to rectify this problem?

Is this due to compatibility issues with the shifter or could something else be causing a problem ?

This week I will have to purchase a new headlight for the bike, as the old one just broke again even with all the tape that held it up for the past two days. Also need to get base layers and maybe a new jacket to cycle in.

Will be looking around and posting links to several stores about the new products I am going to purchase next week. The post's will be on cycling apparel for winter in Melbourne. I've been doing research on what will be needed and based on the experience in the last post I've learnt my lesson never to cycle with cotton base layers.

The cotton base layer holds the sweat and when the wind blow or when cycling downhill the chills are horrible.

The hunt for parts is now over and now I begin the hunt for apparel and accessories.

Completed the build

Jut got the bike back from YarraValleyCycles at 4 pm. Purchased a helmet and a lock for my bike too .

$59 for the helmet and $20 for the BBB lock.

Since it is my first mountain bike with a front suspension I could feel the difference riding it home from the supermarket today.

I'm going to fit the lights in to ride later tonight.

Will be riding the bike to commute from work later tonight.

BBB Combination Lock 

Lazer 

My finished Bike 

I would like to thank everyone who has helped me in this build, particularly the guys on Rotorburn.com , BicycleNetworkAustralia and YarraValleyCycles. Thank you for all your support and help with the build. 

This does not mean it is the end of this blog though. 

I will be posting updates on my rides and upgrades or even simple maintenance updates. Look forward to seeing more people supporting the blog. Thank you all once again! 

Cheers!

Fundamentals Mountain Bike Set Up Video

It's my day off so I was aimlessly surfing the net and ended up on youtube. 

Found this documentary on the Fundamentals of a Mountain bike. 

Pretty much most of the information I was looking for is on it. Do check it out !

YouTube-Fundamentals Mountain Bike Set Up